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Fast Stream into the RIFLES

A Civil Servant currently working in the Home Office has graduated with flying colours from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Conor Powell, who lives in Bermondsey, is on the Fast Stream programme designed to develop future Civil Service leaders.

Conor had always wanted to join the British Army but medical problems in his youth meant he was unable to do so. He’d never thought of joining the Reserves until he was he was invited to attend a Reserve potential Officer insight evening for the Civil Service fast stream at London Officer Training Corps. That evening, he says, saw a childhood dream reborn.

“With my civilian career staring to develop, the Reserves offers an excellent opportunity to live elements of that army lifestyle whist also giving me the freedom to pursue completely different interests in my day job. It’s the best of both worlds really”

Having had no previous military experience Conor admits officer training at Sandhurst was a steep learning curve, particularly in field craft and drill, but he says the skills and experience he has gained won’t only be beneficial in his army role

“The experience of successfully delivering good sets of orders to tired and wet officer cadets has greatly improved my confidence, which I’m sure will translate well into my civilian career.”

Proud of what he has achieved and humbled by the responsibility that commanding troops entails Conor will now join G Company, 7th Battalion The Rifles (7 RIFLES) based in West Ham. 7 RIFLES is one of 3 Reserve Battalions and 5 Regular Battalions that make up the British Army’s largest infantry regiment, The RIFLES.